DEFA to knock on doors for a look

Housing survey to take place

Government officials will be visiting peoples' homes at random to gain a 'better understanding' of the condition of the nation's housing stock.

The visits are carried out every five to ten years.

Previous surveys have resulted in the introduction of measures such as the adoption of Passivhaus standards for newly-built properties.

Letters have been sent to the homes that officers will visit over the next few months.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says the findings will be treated 'in the strictest confidence'.